Why does my computer run ScanDisk every time I start it?

In Windows 98SE or Me, your computer may run ScanDisk at every reboot due to a problem which prevents the writing of the contents of the virtual cache to the hard disk. With IDE disks, data may be written to the hard disk's on-board cache but not to the disk itself. This results in a loss of data, and causes ScanDisk to run at every reboot.

This is a known problem with Windows 98SE and Windows Me for which Microsoft has issued a fix. You can download the Windows IDE Hard Drive Cache package from the Microsoft Windows Update web site at: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ When the Windows Update page is displayed, follow these steps:

1. To create a list of available updates for your computer, click Product Updates.
   
   
2. After the catalog is created, click the Windows IDE Hard Drive Cache Package checkbox to select it.
   
   
3. Select any other updates you wish, click Download, and then follow the instructions to complete the download process.

For the update to function properly, you may need to update a registry value.

Warning: This document contains instructions for editing the registry. If you make any error while editing the registry, you can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot, requiring you to reinstall Windows. Edit the registry at your own risk. Always back up the registry before making any changes. For information, see In Windows XP and Vista, how do I back up the registry? If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, do not attempt these instructions. Instead, seek the help of a computing support provider.

The CacheWriteDelay value specifies the number of milliseconds of delay. To modify this value:

1. Start Registry Editor by clicking Start, and then Run... . Enter Regedit.exe .
   
   
2. Locate and click the following key in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
3. From the Edit menu, select New, and then DWORD Value.
   
   
4. To name the new value, enter CacheWriteDelay .
   
   
5. Right-click the CacheWriteDelay value, and then click Modify.
   
   
6. Under "Base", click Decimal.
   
   
7. In the "Value data" field, type 2000 and then click OK.
   
   
8. Quit Registry Editor.
   
   
9. Restart your computer. Allow it to finish running ScanDisk and wait for the Windows desktop to appear. To check whether ScanDisk runs at startup, shut down and restart again.

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